Oakland, MS

Oakland is a city located in Harrison County, Mississippi. The population was 10,898 as of the 2010 census. Oakland is the county seat of Harrison County. The city is situated on the east bank of the Pearl River and is bisected by Interstate 20.

The first white settlers arrived in what would become Oakland in 1837. The community was originally called "New Town" and was founded by Colonel William L. Smith and his wife, Elizabeth Ann Smith. In 1839, New Town became known as " Oakland" after a large oak tree that stood near the river's edge. By 1850, Oakland had a population of 1,000 people and had become one of the most important trade centers in southeastern Mississippi.

During the Civil War, Oakland served as a supply depot for Confederate troops marching through Harrison County. After the war ended, Oakland grew rapidly thanks to its location on major transportation routes and its status as a center for trade and commerce. By 1880, Oakland had a population of 4,000 people and was considered one of the most prosperous cities in Mississippi.

In recent years, however, Oakland has experienced significant economic decline due to factors such as globalization and competition from larger cities such as Jackson and Tupelo. As a result, many businesses have closed down or moved away from town over the past few decades; today, only a handful of businesses remain in downtown Oakland that are still active (most notably an antique store). Despite these challenges, however, there are many reasons why residents continue to enjoy living in Oakland: its close proximity to both rural areas and major metropolitan areas; its diverse cultural heritage; its beautiful natural scenery; and its friendly community spirit